[color=lightgray][h1][center][color=#EEDC5B]Auguste[/color], [color=ab274f]Wulfric[/color] & [color=#85aabd]Wystan[/color]
ft. [color=E77298]Anastasia[/color]  [/center][/h1]
[b]Date:[/b] Sola, 21[sup]st[/sup]
[b]Time:[/b] Late evening[hr][hr]
After departing from the dining hall, Wulfric headed straight to [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a5/7f/0c/a57f0cfd7d53e8166ca0bd15ed883049.jpg]Auguste’s office.[/url] His brother wasn’t there yet, but he decided to wait inside. He searched among his cabinets. Though well hidden and rarely used, his brother did in fact keep some alcohol in there. Wulfric took out one of his favourite spirits, and a pair of glasses. He poured himself a shot, and left the rest on the table. He was sure Auguste wouldn’t mind some if he’d had as rough of an evening as he was suspecting.

Drink in hand, he perched onto the armrest of a couch, turning to stare out of the window as he got lost in thought about recent events.

The Second Prince knocked three times onto his own office door, [color=#EEDC5B]“It’s Auguste, brother, may I be let into my own office?”[/color] Auguste joked jovially, unable to force back a grin.

Entirely unwittingly, a smile was drawn from Wulfric. [color=ab274f]“Do come in,”[/color] he retorted, amused, glancing his brother’s way as the younger prince entered. [color=ab274f]“I’m glad you have such good awareness.”[/color] There was still that near-laugh in his voice as he spoke, but it was also genuinely relieving to know that Auguste could tell when someone had entered his study.

[color=#EEDC5B]“You know me, Wulfy, always gotta have eyes in the back of your head.”[/color] Auguste half joked.

[color=ab274f]“Drink?”[/color] he questioned, motioning to where he’d left the bottle and glass for him. [color=ab274f]“Bed?”[/color] he arched an eyebrow, half-joking, half-serious. He resettled, though rather than properly sitting onto the couch, he merely folded one leg under the other, still casually nestled atop the narrow armrest.

Auguste acquiesced, pouring himself a stiffer drink than usual, filling the cup nearly to the brim. [color=#EEDC5B]“Perhaps soon, it seems that my body is in dire need of such.”[/color] He chuckled, sitting across Wulfric, legs akimbo. He exhaled loudly.

Once Auguste had settled in, Wulfric requested, [color=ab274f]“Tell me about the dinner?”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“I recall Wystan desiring to be in this impromptu meeting,”[/color] Auguste replied. [color=#EEDC5B]“Shall we wait for a moment?”[/color] The Second Prince toasted his drink towards Wulfric before downing the cup in a few seconds. Wulfric returned the toast, but slowly sipped on his drink.

As if right on time, a series of knocks rang through the door in a particular rhythm.

The watchdog promptly stepped into the room and bowed deeply with his hand on his heart. [color=#85aabd]”...My sincere apologies for my tardiness, Your Royal Highnesses.”[/color] Wystan, judging by the deep rises and falls of his chest, had evidently just started to catch and steady his breath. [color=#85aabd]“I was supposed to have been here earlier, but my patrol came up clear– I found that strange, so I took another circle around and through the kingdom just to be sure.”[/color]

Wulfric glanced at the watchdog. [color=ab274f]“Take a seat,”[/color] he ordered curtly. He waited a moment until Wystan had caught his breath, which didn’t take long. [color=ab274f]“Was there anything?”[/color] he then questioned. It was an unfortunate state of affairs when something being the matter was the expected scenario.

The bodyguard seated himself obediently next to the second prince, but with a much more rigid posture as he explained the results of his patrol. [color=#85aabd]“Nothing thus far. Combing through the reports from my subordinates has also cleared the kingdom and its affairs of any suspicious activity for now.”[/color] He paused for a single beat. [color=#85aabd]“However, with foreign nobility still residing in Caesonian territory, I have sent Clive and Harper in my stead to round the kingdom while I am away to hopefully lessen unsavory occurrences.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Thank you for the update, Wystan. Since all present parties are here…”[/color] Auguste began, [color=#EEDC5B]“The dinner… if it could be called as such, was disastrous to say the very least.”[/color] He let out a sigh, massaging his temple with an open hand. Wystan watched him with a worried expression. For all his patience, not many things in the world could give his prince a solid headache.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Duke Lorenzo… you may have been right in him being a bit of a handful, brother,”[/color] Auguste confessed. At that, Wulfric gave him a ‘you don’t say’ look. [color=#EEDC5B]“It started off well enough. Duke Lorenzo, however, served to inflame the Alidasht royalty.”[/color] 

[color=#EEDC5B]“Putting aside Duke Lorenzo’s actions, some of the Sultan’s heirs were disagreeable at best, and malicious at worst. Shehzadi Layla commanded her pet to play cruel pranks… being incensed at the Duke’s presence, and similar under the guise of tradition.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Duke Lorenzo intentionally seemed to have a pissing match of sorts with Grand Vizier Hafiz. Which, naturally, did not help the situation.”[/color] 

[color=#EEDC5B]“It ended with the Duke denying Shehzadi Mayet’s,”[/color] Auguste used air quotes for accentuation, [color=#EEDC5B]“quote unquote ‘advances’.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Oh, Gods,”[/color] Wulfric interjected quietly, momentarily horrified. He drank deeply from his glass now, completely taken aback at how anyone could be as completely catastrophic as the duke was proving to be.

Auguste paused, downing another cup he had poured himself in the interim. His own watchdog had his elbows resting on his knees, still in the process of digesting the information thus far.

[color=#EEDC5B]“One can hazard a guess that Shehzadi Mayet did not take kindly to this remark. She threw a dagger at Lorenzo which intentionally missed and drew a blade aimed at his neck. Of course, as Caesonian royalty we could not stand for this. I had half the mind to send her to the gallows myself… but considering our countries’ long standing alliance and relations I chose to overlook such actions and let the Sultan dole out punishment to Shehzadi Mayet.”[/color] Auguste kept it to himself that he was peeved off that someone of royal blood was able to get away with such brazen acts of hostility towards a neighboring kingdom’s citizen.

Wulfric rolled his eyes at his brother. [color=ab274f]“If they could refrain from having Lorenzo’s head, I’m sure you can oblige the same for one of their princesses.”[/color] Granted, it’s not as if he was amenable to hostility like that either.

Auguste glanced at both Wystan and Wulfric and smiled weakly. [color=#EEDC5B]“That’s the rough… rough gist of it. I’ll write up a proper report when I am… more sober and energetic. If you have any questions, fire away.”[/color] 

Just as he was about to inquire something, Auguste asked if either had any questions. Wulfric smirked at the timing of it, and nodded. [color=ab274f]“What exactly was Shehzadi Mayet’s punishment?”[/color] He more or less trusted it was something reasonable, since the sultan struck him as a sensible man. [color=ab274f]“Also, I could use more specifics on what exactly Duke Vikena did.”[/color] He gave his brother a pointed glance, because by no means did he believe Lorenzo’s actions should be ‘put aside’, as Auguste had said.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Hm...”[/color] Auguste replied, [color=#EEDC5B]“While I was not privy to the particulars of her punishment, the Sultan was seething with a certain fury. He mentioned that we will not see Shehzadi Mayet again, so it is likely she is at least going back to Alidasht.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“Duke Lorenzo Vikena.”[/color] The Second Prince said, drawing out his words. [color=#EEDC5B]“Well… I’ll assume you only speak about his slights and not all of his… idiosyncrasies. Well, Vizier Hafiz entered the dinner with a rude remark targeted at Duke Lorenzo for not knowing the inside-out of their traditions of seating order. I understand tradition, but should one really expect others outside of their culture to know all its ins-and-outs?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“The…seating order.”[/color] Wulfric repeated. Indeed, that was ludicrous.

Auguste paused, catching himself. He continued with a cough, [color=#EEDC5B]“Rumination aside. The two started a war of silvery barbs, trading jabs under metaphors and insinuation due to this perceived slight. Tradition, or otherwise.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“That and the insinuation made towards Shehzadi Mayet were the only two major slights I could gather. I am sincere in saying that I do not recall anything that could be received as an insult towards the Alidasht. Even the Sultan seemed rather kind and accepting towards Duke Lorenzo compared to the others.”[/color]

 [color=#85aabd]“You are kinder than anyone deserves, my prince.”[/color] The watchdog was grateful for Auguste and his tendency to allow others some face, and it was already a miracle that Shehzadi Mayet’s actions were not considered a casus belli. Still, he had his face in his hands. It was clear he felt deeply guilty for not having been there at the dinner. There was turmoil he had to forcefully silence in his mind simply thinking of what could have happened to the prince if things escalated without him. [color=#85aabd]“Were you injured in any way at all?”[/color] 

Auguste noticed Wystan’s expression. [color=#EEDC5B]“This was not at all your fault, dear Wystan. It was clearly unexpected that a visiting royal would draw blades against their host’s citizens.”[/color] Auguste reassured, [color=#EEDC5B]“I am no worse for wear, though perhaps it would’ve been better to have brought a weapon with me. Duke Lorenzo may have been injured so I’ve sent a medic to make certain of his condition.”[/color]

 [color=#85aabd]“...I am simply glad that you are alright, Your Royal Highness.”[/color] Wystan had already pre-emptively decided that he would be the prince’s weapon for the next gathering should he need one. 

[color=ab274f]“Today has certainly proven on several occasions that we should be armed at all times,”[/color] Wulfric agreed. [color=ab274f]“Regarding the Alidasht, I suppose we are more or less even as far as slights, offenses, and incidents which could nearly cause a war go.”[/color] His thoughts very briefly turned to Mayet. [color=ab274f]“It is a shame, but she is the sultan’s problem now.”[/color] He stood up to get a refill on his drink. While near Auguste, he clinked his glass against his brother’s. [color=ab274f]“It is a blessing that [i]you[/i] were there, brother.”[/color] He gave him a meaningful glance, then retook his seat.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Lucky that- mother had sent her personal retinue to guard me. They were placated before anything else could happen, swords drawn and all.”[/color] Auguste mentioned with a soft sigh.

[color=ab274f]“My,”[/color] Wulfric sighed at that tidbit.

He swirled the liquid within his glass, taking a moment to think. [color=ab274f]“As far as Lorenzo is concerned, it is not his lack of knowledge per se…It seems more an inability on his part to act diplomatically. If he is truly incapable of proper conduct, then he is simply unfitting to be a duke,”[/color] he concluded.

The royal bodyguard thoroughly agreed with the first prince. Quite frankly he had heard and seen enough of this duke’s doings simply due to the fact that they bring utter shame to the Caesonian nobility– the Danroses most especially. [color=#85aabd]“Proper conduct—”[/color] Wystan seemed to have recalled something and sighed.  [color=#85aabd]“While we are on this topic, earlier this afternoon during the park festival, it was reported by one of my sources that he had a fight with a citizen over…”[/color] His eyes squinted, internally questioning even one of his own informants.  [color=#85aabd]“...Waffles?”[/color] Alas, he would need to double-check the credibility of this.

[color=ab274f]“Lady Charlotte had mentioned a fight over food had occurred,”[/color] the first prince concurred. Of course, she had downplayed her father’s involvement; she likely saw him as an unfortunate target of something unexpected rather than a culprit who’d played his part in it.

[color=#85aabd]“Shortly after, he got into a small altercation with a doctor. Unfortunately, I do not know his name– my source was not close enough to see any nametags.”[/color] He continued. [color=#85aabd]“A person had passed out. The doctor approached her and administered a quick test via a light slap on the cheek to gauge her consciousness… Duke Lorenzo mistook this for an assault and yelled at him in open public.”[/color] The watchdog finished his short report concisely. [color=#85aabd]“...At the very least, we know he is a decent man.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“I wouldn’t be so certain,”[/color] Wulfric said coolly. [color=ab274f]“I had an encounter with him after the race. He was clearly inebriated. Alcohol combined with opium is my guess,”[/color] he recounted. [color=ab274f]“He had a breakdown right in front of me, telling me all sorts of personal details. Clearly, he is mentally unstable, and I don’t know that it is only because of his addiction.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“... I’m going to need some context here, brother, Wystan.”[/color] Auguste cut in, [color=#EEDC5B]“The Duke had gotten into food-related troubles… over waffles? A noble picking a fight with a citizen?”[/color] Though he tried to hide it, his tone was a mixture of befuddlement and slight amusement. He had to bite his lip to stop from chuckling.

Wystan simply nodded. There was not much else he could say– even the man who had reported all this to him was in his own state of confusion. [color=#85aabd]“Regrettably I was not around in this area to stop this from happening, but my sources are confident.”[/color] He paused. [color=#85aabd]“Unfortunately.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“The [i]context[/i] which I have is for my meeting with him,”[/color] Wulfric said, miffed at Auguste’s amusement. The duke’s actions were annoying at best, certainly [i]not[/i] amusing. [color=ab274f]“The only explanation I have is that he is utterly and completely inept…A social disaster,”[/color] he stressed.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Apologies, brother, I can’t seem to control myself as it’s been a long day,”[/color] Auguste said. [color=#EEDC5B]“I understand that Lorenzo is a bit of a hazard regarding matters of politics. But let us move on to another topic. Was there anything else of note?”[/color]
The first prince let out a sharp exhale. [color=ab274f]“No…”[/color] he rubbed his temple, grimacing a tad. [color=ab274f]“No need to apologize. As you have said, it has been a [i]long[/i] day,”[/color] he replied by way of apology. [color=ab274f]“Let’s,”[/color] he nodded, concurring to move on. [color=ab274f]“You might keep in mind, however, that if no other solution is found for Lorenzo, I will consider appointing a regent for Veirmont, and you are my first choice for that.”[/color] As shocking as such a revelation might be, Wulfric said it entirely casually, as if it were clear as day that this is what should be done. At this, the watchdog’s eyes lit up ever so slightly and darted eagerly to meet the second prince’s. Clearly, someone was overjoyed.

Auguste looked to Wystan, certain in what his friend was thinking. [color=#EEDC5B]“It is only times like these where you show such emotions, dear Wystan.”[/color] The second prince acknowledged with a smile.

As if he’d caught himself, the royal retainer cleared his throat lightly. [color=#85aabd]“Of course, my prince.[/color] Still, he was unable to erase his pleased expression even as he looked to the first prince, whose strict presence nearly always had him on his guard. [color=#85aabd]“...His Royal Highness never fails to put forth trustworthy decisions.”[/color] Wulfric caught Wystan’s gaze, smirking knowingly. He was aware of the man’s deep regard for Auguste, so the guard’s eagerness didn’t come as a surprise.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Should it come to such, I’ll happily oblige. However, let us cross our [i]t[/i]s and dot our [i]i[/i]s first before I am named regent of Veirmont.”[/color] Auguste concluded, [color=#EEDC5B]“Though I understand your wariness of Duke Lorenzo, should we not consider Lady Charlotte? It is likely she is not as… how do I say this, as ‘eccentric’ as the Duke.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Believe me, brother, if it were entirely up to me, I would make her the duchess at this very moment.”[/color] The following silent communication between the brothers was telling enough; they both knew that the [i]current king[/i] was unlikely to approve of such. [color=ab274f]“But no worries. I shall speak with her and see if anything to that effect could be arranged…unofficially.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Moving on,”[/color] he crossed one leg over the other. [color=ab274f]“What do you two know about [i]magic[/i]?”[/color] As relaxed as his tone and demeanor were, his gaze was intent and watchful.

Auguste raised a brow. His brother, bless his heart, was not usually the type to believe in such tripe subjects. To see him bring it up is a definite curiosity. [color=#EEDC5B]“Magic… Something writ in fairy tales and the like.”[/color] He replied, [color=#EEDC5B]“Why do you ask, brother?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“I’ve always assumed it was a legend, too…perhaps an artifact of history, at best. But I’ve witnessed undeniable proof of it first hand. I don’t think I could provide evidence to you right now-”[/color] he suddenly cut off. Wasn’t the flying spell volo or some such? No, he’d better not make an attempt if he weren’t certain. [color=ab274f]“Well, I can show you that later. To answer your question: our mother is a witch,”[/color] he paused at that revelation. [color=ab274f]“More importantly, our enemy - Delronzo - is very likely dealing with magic too. Actual magic, unfortunately, not the make believe kind.”[/color]

August sat there, stupefied. Magic existed. This was now an objective, irrefutable fact. He knew Wulfric was not the type to bring such things up mildly. He was hit with a double whammy at the fact that their mother was also magically inclined - a witch.

Wystan was stunned for a moment. He was very fond of Queen Alibeth, and with the taboo surrounding the topic of magic within the kingdom– he had no choice but to take a moment to process it all. Perhaps there was something in his mental library he’d need to touch upon, after all…

[color=#85aabd]“There is something my messengers have brought to my attention during one of our meetings.”[/color] The bodyguard spoke carefully. [color=#85aabd]“However, I am of the same viewpoint in that I don’t quite believe in its existence– and at that time I had chalked it up to pure nonsense.”[/color]

[color=#85aabd]“As you already know, Your Royal Highnesses, one of my main sources of information is Harper– an acrobat at the Caesonian Carnival.”[/color] He continued. [color=#85aabd]“She works hard for her craft and shows up to work everyday despite the workload I tend to put on her… during the past few weeks, she’s noticed something about the members of her troupe.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Something unusual, unable to be explained by anything mundane,”[/color] Wulfric supposed. [color=ab274f]“Apparently, that’s one of the signs of potential magic use,”[/color] he relayed. [color=ab274f]“So, what is it?”[/color] he prompted.

[color=#85aabd]“At first, there were signs of possible drug overuse. To start, their personalities changed… rather quickly, for the worse. Dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, paranoia, depression, and the like. We debunked this as another case patrol to attempt to try and nip the problem in the bud. Another growing drug ring within the area that I’d have to learn about.”[/color] Wystan was contemplative for a moment. [color=#85aabd]“And then… their eyes began to emit a strange glow. They came to work one day and Harper had noticed it. It was hard to explain that symptom. Eventually, their health started declining. They’d have nosebleeds almost everyday. Their immune systems couldn’t even take the common cold.”[/color] He paused. [color=#85aabd]“That’s why the carnival had to take many breaks– they were severely understaffed.”[/color]

Auguste simply grimaced at Wystan’s report. A magical ailment, of all things. He massaged the temple of his nose. The breadth of their responsibilities had tripled with this revelation.

[color=ab274f]“Wonderful,”[/color] the first prince retorted in a tone which suggested anything but. [color=ab274f]“Well, whether this is in any way related to that party and Delronzo or not, it should be investigated. I do wish we had a group of magical experts…”[/color] that last part, while audible, was mostly just him thinking out loud.

Wulfric then looked from one man to the other. [color=ab274f]“The problem is, since we know so little, even detecting it is difficult, nevermind dealing with it.”[/color] He drummed his fingers against the armrest. [color=ab274f]“Earlier today, the queen showed me a hidden magical archive. So, we do have some knowledge at hand. Given her near-fanaticism against magic usage, I don’t [i]think[/i] we have anyone available who could counteract it if needed, however.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“A magical contingent…”[/color] Auguste stroked his chin, [color=#EEDC5B]“Yes, perhaps it is best to start one… though likely under the guise of secrecy and to be trusted by the inner circle. To be prepared against future, likely magical, threats is important. Especially now that we know Delronzo is privy to such things. Father… well, I am certain he would be against it.”[/color]

Wulfric nodded. He was gratified that he and Auguste were in agreement. Their parents were another matter, however. [color=ab274f]“I am unsure of the extent of [i]his[/i] knowledge,”[/color] he confessed. [color=ab274f]“However, I will speak to them both to gauge their stance and see if they could be swayed to be more…open-minded.”[/color] He would have to do it rather carefully, though; the last thing he needed was losing the trust they had in him.

Auguste had always wondered why their laws against magic and what he, once thought, were simply tales told by parents to keep their children in check. [color=#EEDC5B]“We need an individual versed in this… ‘magic’, perhaps one that could help teach us or even guard against it. Heh, easier said than done, no?”[/color]

Wulfric returned the chuckle, though his was several degrees darker. [color=ab274f]“Yes, yes it is.”[/color] His expression became profoundly grim as he regarded the scale and severity of the problem. [color=ab274f]“Especially with all those purges of witches, whether real or imagined.”[/color] While he now knew there was an actual threat, he was [i]deeply[/i] aware that far too many senseless killings had occurred. Countless of them.

[color=ab274f]“But it is quite the conundrum, you know,”[/color] his lips thinned, the shadow of a tight-lipped smile repressing some other emotion. [color=ab274f]“All those symptoms Wystan described are a natural consequence of magical use. [i]Over[/i]use in this case, but the dangers are clear regardless. From addiction, to paranoia and psychosis; a menagerie of mental and physical issues. Nevermind the potential abuses. I can see why the attempts at eradication…”[/color] he trailed off, but it was clear he didn’t quite agree with it, even though he could, in part, understand it. [color=ab274f]“Even so, I’d rather make use of it - with due caution, of course. From what I have read, there is no being too careful with it.”[/color]

Though it felt not quite in the watchdog’s place to agree, he found himself nodding along to both the princes’ sentiments, trusting wholly in their thought processes. Of course, he was not without his own, and held a softness for those impoverished who felt desperate enough to turn to seedy means of survival. Still, his arms were crossed and he stayed tight-lipped at attention. [color=#85aabd]“Whatever the circumstances, I will be at your command should the time come that a plan is set in place.”[/color] He said to the princes, his eagerness to realize the will of the Danroses evident as usual.

[color=E77298]“I’m not dead!”[/color] Anastasia’s voice dimly reverberated from the hallway before the door swung open. [color=E77298]“I’m not dead.”[/color] She announced once more, her voice loud and clear as she entered the room. The princess did not hesitate to tiredly throw herself into a chair. She glanced between the three men before declaring, [color=E77298]“He refused to see me.”[/color] She folded her arms and slunk back. [color=E77298]“He let some other person in though right after me… Super rude if you ask me.”[/color]

[color=#85aabd]“Your Royal Highness.”[/color] The watchdog rose to offer the princess a bow. Of course, it went without saying that he was glad to know that she was well and unharmed.

Wulfric turned a look of fond surprise upon Anastasia at her entrance. [color=ab274f]“That is good,”[/color] he told her, mildly amused at the dramatics. However, he was genuinely thankful nothing had gone amiss. [color=ab274f]“It may be for the best that he didn’t see you today…”[/color] After all, they did not yet know ways of protecting against magic. [color=ab274f]“But did you see who was to meet with him?”[/color]

Auguste simply smiled at Anastasia’s entrance, a mixture of pleasant surprise and bemusement.

Anastasia smiled at her brother warmly in greeting. There was a hesitation before answering and she certainly made a face that expressed she was lingering on the thought. [color=E77298]“I did not see, but I did hear… and… Well… it sounded like Calbert Damien to me… “[/color] She frowned and urgently added, [color=E77298]“But I was tired, sooo… I wouldn’t bet money on it or anything.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“I see…Even if you are unsure, this suspicion should be taken into account.”[/color] Wulfric turned to Auguste, gazes meeting. They would both know why this was potentially concerning.

[color=#EEDC5B]“... That is an alarming suspicion, to say the least.”[/color] Auguste said, meeting his brother’s gaze. [color=#EEDC5B]“Count Damien and… certain [i]magical[/i] revelations.”[/color] Auguste caught his words too late, giving a glance towards Wulfric and Anastasia. [color=#EEDC5B]“Ahem- Well, it does not bode well for our family, knowing him.”[/color]

Anastasia's delicate features contorted momentarily with a cringe as she audibly sucked in air, [color=E77298]“Calby’s got his hands full.”[/color] She commented, her gaze moving to Auguste. [color=E77298]“His house was attacked earlier today… He was [i]really[/i] mad.”[/color] Her eyes lingered on her brother thoughtfully, but she did not comment further.

Wulfric raised a brow at Auguste, but didn’t remark upon his slip-up. Instead he turned to his sister with a nod. [color=ab274f]“Ah, yes, the shooting,”[/color] he recalled. While he had been informed, he was unsure if his brother knew of it.

A glancing moment of confusion landed on Auguste’s expression. [color=#EEDC5B]“... It seems that I may have missed much, perhaps too much. I’ll go over the finer details with Wystan later but please catch me up on this… ‘shooting’.”[/color] To this, the royal bodyguard nodded dutifully and shared a look with Anastasia.

[color=E77298]“Sooo basically Count Damien was having a meeting with someone and a woman attacked his house and broke the person out… Apparently she shot arrows through his windows and everything! The two of them ended up getting away and no one found them. He said it was like they disappeared from thin air.”[/color] Anastasia had chosen not to throw Kazoo’s name around. She wasn’t certain of the truth yet, and figured Auguste had no idea who he was anyway.


[color=E77298]“Well! Calby said no one got hurt at least.”[/color] She commented with a shrug.

Wulfric, unlike his sister, had no compunctions against letting Auguste know the suspect. [color=ab274f]“Kazumin Nagasa was the one having lunch with Calbert. It’s possible the person who attacked and escaped with Nagasa was that ‘Persephone’ woman. I don’t believe that was confirmed yet, however.”[/color] Anastasia visibly appeared unhappy with Wulfric’s words.

Auguste internally grimaced. He was uncertain of Kazumin Nagasa, and he himself did not know Persephone that well either but he felt that there was more to this incident. At the very least it seems she was only a suspect. [color=#EEDC5B]“... That is an alarming incident to say the least.”[/color] Auguste crossed his right leg over his left. [color=#EEDC5B]“I assume this information hasn’t been revealed publicly?”[/color] 

[color=E77298]“Haven’t heard anything about it publicly yet.”[/color] 

[color=ab274f]“It has not. Perhaps not surprising given Calbert’s propensity for secrecy and control.”[/color] He turned to Auguste with a subtle if meaningful glance. He wished he could openly speak about Violet’s murder with him. [color=ab274f]“It seems possible that he may wish to take matters in his own hands, given how fixated he is on those two, does it not?”[/color] he probed. Wulfric thought that was just one of the eventualities. He was curious to know what his brother was thinking, though he hoped Auguste would be circumspect if he decided to share. Love as he might her, Anastasia and vital information weren’t the best match.

Auguste shot Wulfric with a quizzical upturned lift of his eyebrow. He could somewhat ascertain his brother’s intentions and thoughts- likely regarding Anastasia and her not being involved within the ‘circle’. That and leakage of information was something Wulfric took to heart. [color=#EEDC5B]“Good. It is probably for the best that it has only went so far as rumours for now.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“... Have we been looking into this incident, or has it only been Calbert’s men doing so?”[/color] Auguste continued, [color=#EEDC5B]“It is likely best we catch the perpetrator first rather than Calbert. Letting him control the narrative and potentially sidestepping our authority doesn’t sit well with me.”[/color] Though he put it as such, using the authority of the Danroses was an excuse, perhaps to appease Wulfric, he was uncertain.

[color=ab274f]“Our guards have been looking into it as well,”[/color] Wulfric supplied. He peered at Auguste, and thought he caught a sign of something else his brother wasn’t saying. So, he asked softly, [color=ab274f]“What is it that you are worried about?”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]“... Heh, what is there not to worry about, brother. Too many things, revelations and such, have happened in a short timeframe. It’s all very worrying, to say the least.”[/color] Auguste said, [color=#EEDC5B]“Calbert is just high on the list of things that worry me to an extreme degree.”[/color] He was also a tad worried about the non-nobility on the run as he knew of Calbert’s tendencies.

[color=ab274f]“That they have,”[/color] he agreed with a head tilt. But there was more to it. Knowing his brother’s personality… [color=ab274f]“Do you want to protect the suspects? Think that even if [i]we[/i] get involved, it might not amount to true justice?”[/color] he questioned, staring at Auguste with quiet intensity.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Well, you caught me, brother.”[/color] August confessed, arms slightly raised. [color=#EEDC5B]“I’d much rather they have a fair trial under the Danroses than one under Calbert. Well, you know me, I’m the type to not leave well enough alone. I’ll try my best at seeking out true justice, even at a personal cost to myself.”[/color]

Wulfric huffed, but nodded once. [color=ab274f]“Very well. I do not mind leaving this matter to you…I’ll assist, of course,”[/color] he waved a hand, [color=ab274f]“but direct it as you like.”[/color] Personally, he was most interested in the Black Rose angle. Could it be that Calbert had gone to Marek because of Violet’s murder? There was too much speculation, not enough information. He tapped his fingers idly. [color=ab274f]“I hate being one step behind like this,”[/color] he commented. Leaning against a hand, he fell into thought.

[color=#EEDC5B]“No doubt I will require assistance, the breadth of this is beyond my ken.[/color] Auguste replied, shooting Wulfric a small smile.

[color=#EEDC5B]“Indeed.”[/color] Auguste said, [color=#EEDC5B]“Even Wystan’s network cannot grasp all of this. Hopefully the meeting we will have soon will elucidate some of these talking points we have had and prod for any new information we might have missed or overlooked. Really, it seems that since the Alidasht have arrived, one fire after another has begun popping up.”[/color] Auguste poured himself a shot.

[color=ab274f]“Mmhm,”[/color] Wulfric hummed, and straightened his sitting position. He did have a basic plan of action he wanted to implement against Marek but there was much he didn’t like about any of this. 

[color=ab274f]“Father knows more than he’s saying,”[/color] he suddenly remarked. Of course, the same was true for Alibeth, but he generally trusted her judgment, as much as being kept in the dark frustrated him. [color=ab274f]“He recognized Delronzo’s name…”[/color] They both knew very few people were relevant enough for Edin to remember. [color=ab274f]“Well, you know the ‘who watches the watchers’ dilemma,”[/color] a shadowed smile crossed his expression.

Anastasia had been quietly listening. She straightened in her chair and held her knees as she considered everything that had been said. Her gaze slid to Wulfric and Auguste as she asked, [color=E77298]“... How can I help?...  Obviously I can keep trying to speak with Marek and I can find Kazumin maybe and talk to him too.”[/color]

Wulfric pursed his lips. [color=ab274f]“I suppose Kazumin would be most open with you,”[/color] he tacitly agreed that she speak with him. [color=ab274f]“As for Marek…Yes, however, the procedure when you next attempt to visit will be the same as this time.”[/color]

[color=E77298]“I don’t know if he will talk to me with the guards.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“You are not going there unguarded.”[/color] That was not up for debate. Wystan could not help but nod quickly in agreement.

[color=#EEDC5B]“I agree with Wulfric. There are too many unknowns. And this Marek is definitely an unknown factor from what I’ve gathered.”[/color] Auguste said, [color=#EEDC5B]“At the very least have Wystan with you. I would not mind being there either if time permits, but I assume they will not let their guard down if I were present.”[/color]

[color=#85aabd]“Mhm.”[/color] The watchdog agreed and suggested one other thing. [color=#85aabd]“If you are worried about his willingness to be open with company, I can simply stay hidden while ensuring your protection.”[/color]

[color=E77298]“We can try it. Whatever I can do to help I want to…”[/color] Anastasia told them as earnestly as a tired princess could. She curled up in her chair and laid her head down. [color=E77298]“I have your backs, no matter what.”[/color] 

Wystan gave her a small smile before looking to the princes.

[color=ab274f]“I appreciate the sentiment, Anastasia. But do note that this desire and the one to ‘protect’ Marek may clash,”[/color] Wulfric told her, a note of gentle warning in his tone. This was a lesson even Auguste still needed to take to heart, but at least his sympathies for Persephone seemed less troubling compared to his sister’s for Delronzo.

Auguste closed his eyes, nodding solemnly towards Anastasia, agreeing with Wulfric’s words of warning.

Auguste coughed against the somewhat strained atmosphere that had been generated. [color=#EEDC5B]“... off that note. Does anyone else have any subject of import they would like to bring up?”[/color] Wulfric curtly shook his head in the negative.

[color=#85aabd]“Aside from our further discussions regarding the Count Calbert case, my Prince, I have none.”[/color]
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